Victor Osimhen’s move to Al-Hilal: Is Nigerian star right to accept?

Nigerian and Napoli’s forward, Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit- Skysports Italy/X

As the summer transfer window gathers momentum, the football world is abuzz with speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s potential move from Napoli to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker, who was on loan at Galatasaray where he has scored an astonishing 37 goals and provided 8 assists in 43 matches during the 2024/25 season, is at a critical point in his career. Reports suggest Al-Hilal have tabled a lucrative three-year deal worth up to €120 million in total salary, with an annual package potentially exceeding €40 million, alongside a willingness to trigger Osimhen’s €75 million release clause.

This follows a rollercoaster summer where the striker was linked with top European clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, only to see those moves falter. The question on every fan’s mind is whether Osimhen was right to accept this deal or if he should hold on for a European return. This piece is set to explore the implications of his potential move, the factors influencing his decision, and the debate surrounding its impact on his legacy.

The Al-Hilal offer

Al-Hilal’s proposed deal is huge. An annual salary of €40 million potentially rising to €45 million with bonuses up to roughly £750,000 per week, which is far more than his current earnings at Galatasaray and Napoli. This comes with a three-year contract, offering financial security that could set Osimhen and his family up for generations. The club’s €75 million bid aligns with his release clause, a figure Napoli are reportedly willing to accept given their interest in Romelu Lukaku as a replacement. This financial incentive has been a recurring theme in Saudi Arabia’s transfer strategy, successfully luring stars like Neymar, Benzema, and Firmino in recent years.

What happened to Osimhen’s European dream

Despite his Galatasaray heroics, Osimhen’s European suitors have hesitated. Manchester United proposed a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, but it collapsed due to valuation disputes. Arsenal and Chelsea explored options, with Mikel Obi reportedly lobbying for a Chelsea move, yet both clubs decided other alternatives like Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap, citing Osimhen’s €75 million price tag and perceived attitude concerns. Juventus emerged as frontrunners earlier, but a shift in their sporting director plans cooled their interest. This reluctance, coupled with Napoli’s willingness to offload him after a poor relationship due to his exclusion from the squad under Antonio Conte has left Osimhen with fewer European options than expected.

Was Osimhen right to accept the deal?

The decision to join Al-Hilal splits opinion among fans, analysts, and former players. Those who supported his move, highlight the financial security and the chance to dominate the Saudi Pro League, where Osimhen could replicate his Napoli success on a less competitive stage. The Club World Cup offers a global platform to showcase his talent, potentially boosting his Ballon d’Or prospects if Al-Hilal succeed. Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has hinted at the appeal of such a move, suggesting it could be a smart career choice given Europe’s hesitancy. The cultural shift to Riyadh, with its growing football infrastructure and African player community, might also suit Osimhen’s personality.

Those who contested the move center on the risk to his legacy. At 26, Osimhen is in his prime, and a move to Saudi Arabia could limit his development among Europe’s elite, where he’s yet to prove himself consistently outside Italy and Turkey. Critics, including former Nigerian international Mobi Oparaku, argue that rejecting Al-Hilal’s 2023 offer worth €200 million over several years was wise, as it kept his European dream alive. The Premier League, widely admired by African players, remains a big prospect, and some fans on social media express disappointment that his attitude highlighted by the Finidi incident may have prevented top clubs, similar with the Jadon Sancho-Ten Hag fallout.

The bigger picture of the debate

Victor Osimhen’s potential move reflects Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push to rival Europe’s top leagues. Al-Hilal’s €600 million budget, aided by government’s initiative, has already secured talents like Milinkovic-Savic and Neves, and they’re eyeing Theo Hernandez and Ederson. This trend as seen with Mbappe’s rejected €300 million offer in 2023 and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr stint signals a shift in football’s economic landscape. For Osimhen, this could mean joining a project with global ambitions, but it also raises questions about the long-term prestige of such a move compared to a Champions League record with a European giant.

What fans can expect

If Osimhen joins Al-Hilal, fans can anticipate a dominant force in the Saudi Pro League, where his over 40 goal contributions a season suggests he could challenge for the Golden Boot. The Club World Cup, starting with a group stage against Al-Ain and Juventus, offers a chance to shine on a world stage, potentially alongside Hernandez if that deal materializes. However, the physical toll of a new league and climate, combined with less tough competition, might see his stats grow but his global reputation declining. European fans may view it as a premature exit, while Nigerian supporters are divided, some celebrating the financial rewards, others lamenting a lost European legacy.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Al-Hilal is a defining moment. The €40 million-per-year deal offers unparalleled financial reward and a chance to lead a Saudi revolution, aligning with his current form and Napoli’s desire to move on. Yet, at 26, with peak years ahead, rejecting it in 2023 to chase Europe suggests he values legacy over money but European clubs’ unwillingness to sign him has undermined that initial stance with glory. Whether he was right to accept depends on his priorities: if financial security and a new challenge is above European glory, Al-Hilal is a good choice. If he still dreams of lifting the Premier League or Champions League trophy, holding out might have been wiser. As negotiations progress, the football world watches, awaiting Victor Osimhen’s next chapter, whether it builds his status as a global icon or marks a decline from his European rise.